The Nashville Farmers’ Market hosted a “Friendsgiving” event on November 21, attracting numerous residents alongside local business and community leaders to unite as a single community.

While many attendees reflected on the presidential election results, they were also aware of the rise in neo-Nazi activity in the city over the summer, which led to a clash with the Metro Council.

The Metro Human Relations Commission, part of the Nashville-Davidson County Government, organized the Friendsgiving and initiated a new campaign named “Humans Over Hate.” The first dinner was dedicated to the memory of the late restaurateur Randy Rayburn, who passed away earlier this year and was a prominent figure in local and state politics, known also for his generosity.

“Hospitality leaves no room for animosity,” said Human Relations Commission Executive Director Davie Tucker during his speech at the event.

On that occasion, Tucker expressed his worries about marginalized groups harboring hatred towards others due to differing opinions or incivility. His message was not merely for those already aligned with him; it emphasized the importance of coexisting with diverse perspectives, a challenging endeavor.

Compromise, contradictions, and disagreements are part of America’s essence

The dinner at the farmers’ market resonated particularly with me after I returned from a trip to Memphis, where I was invited by the University of Tennessee Health Science Center to talk to medical students about civil discourse.

I had previously visited for a similar presentation in 2019 as part of The Tennessean’s Civility Tennessee campaign, which kicked off just before Thanksgiving in 2017.

The theme of my talk on November 20 was “Building a Citizenship Mindset: The Evolution of Civility.” This topic is crucial because while some embrace the concept of “civility,” others might view it as a means to quash dissent.

However, the true essence of civility revolves around citizens’ roles in upholding, questioning, and fostering our society.

The United States thrives on compromise, grapples with contradictions, and is shaped by debates that often lead us toward enhanced rights for all, rather than just a few.

There are shifts in political attitudes, and also chances to strive again for “a more perfect union,” as stated in the preamble of the U.S. Constitution.

Seven suggestions for nurturing civil discourse and a citizenship mindset

Throughout the years, I have gathered insightful advice during my research and discussions with various individuals to help promote respectful dialogue while preserving personal dignity.

Here are seven guidelines for fostering civil discourse that I shared with the UTHSC medical students:

1. Be intentional
2. Establish the right environment
3. Find shared interests
4. Maintain positivity
5. Know when to pull back
6. Persevere
7. Prioritize face-to-face interaction over social media

At the core of it all is a decision — to engage while setting boundaries, to claim one’s agency, to empathize with others, and importantly, to be present.

The students were particularly curious about tips two and five.

Facilitating discussions among people with differing ideologies necessitates a clear understanding of ground rules to foster the right conditions.

Numerous civic organizations, such as Braver Angels, employ strategies to bring citizens of various beliefs together for meaningful conversations. Just like in a board game or a sport, having rules ensures that all participants hold one another accountable, with a moderator serving as a referee.

Regarding tip five, the idea of disengaging is about accepting that not every dialogue will yield positive results, and it may require some distance before re-engaging.

Conversely, it might also entail moving on, especially to sidestep bullying, harassment, or insults. The aim is to be respectful, and fortunately, I find that a majority of people are genuinely striving for this goal.

Prioritizing self-care and cultivating a daily practice of hope

The “Humans Over Hate” gathering was particularly impactful because it brought together local residents dedicated to fostering a better environment for everyone in the city.

I encouraged the students to start initiating positive changes within their own communities.

Many individuals in my circles express a desire to turn off the news entirely or merely “sleep through” the next four years.

While taking breaks for self-care is essential, we must also remember that our neighbors count on us, and we rely on them.

By nurturing hope, engaging with our communities, opposing harmful policies, defending our rights, and providing support for those around us, we enrich our lives.

Sustaining a democratic republic — from local government to the federal level — demands consistent effort, not just occasional attention during presidential elections.

As the holiday season unfolds, I hope you find many chances to strengthen your community connections.

The head of opinion and engagement for the YSL News Network Tennessee, where this piece first appeared.